Depression and anxiety between nurses and nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

AbstractAimThis study investigated the levels of depression and anxiety in nurses and nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We also explored the potential causes of depression and anxiety in nurses and nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the pandemic.BackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on long‐term care facilities. The high infection and mortality rates for COVID‐19 have resulted in an increased workload for caregivers.IntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic exposed caregivers working in long‐term care facilities to higher risks of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the high risk of infection in the work environment and concerns about spreading COVID‐19 to family members and long‐term care facility residents led to various forms of stress among caregivers.MethodsThe present study was a cross‐sectional study. Questionnaires were used to investigate depression and anxiety among regarding nurses and nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the pandemic.ResultsThe depression and anxiety levels of the nurses were higher than nursing assistants, but had no statistically significant difference (p = 0.551). The factors influencing levels of depression and anxiety in nurses contained facility affiliation and experience working. In terms of nursing assistants, age, marital status, and facility affiliation were correlated with the levels of depression and anxiety.DiscussionThe pandemic has severely impacted caregivers. In the process of implementing pandemic prevention measures and providing care for COVID‐19 patients, safeguarding the psychological health of caregivers is also essential.ConclusionThe levels of depression and anxiety in nurses were higher than in nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the pandemic.Implication for nursing and health policyLong‐term care facilities managers are recommended to enhance the education and training process for caregivers. Managers are also recommended to ensure provision of sufficient amounts of pandemic prevention equipment and resources.